Meaning of illegitimate in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˌɪləˈdʒɪdəmət/

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1. Classifying Adjective

   illegitimate

   Definitions

   1. contrary to or forbidden by law

   Examples

   • « an illegitimate seizure of power »
   • « illicit trade »
   • « an outlaw strike »
   • « unlawful measures »

   Synonyms

   • illegal

2. Noun

   illegitimate

   Definitions

   1. the illegitimate offspring of unmarried parents

3. Qualitative Adjective

   illegitimate

   Etymology

   mid 16th century: from late Latin illegitimus (from in-‘not’ + legitimus‘lawful’), suggested by legitimate

   Definitions

   1. of marriages and offspring

   Examples

   • « not recognized as lawful »

   Synonyms

   • adulterine
   • base
   • baseborn
   • bastard
   • bastardly
   • misbegot
   • misbegotten
   • spurious
   • fatherless
   • left-handed
   • unlawful
   • wrongful

   Antonyms

   • legitimate

See also

• illegal
• invalid
• unauthorized